BLOOD LEGACIES
Chapter 476: Headspace

Chapter 476: Headspace

A/N: Song For The Background ~ Gravity By Matt Hansen

DACE

~

I watch Emma sleep, it’s becoming the next most peaceful thing for me. Her serene features, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the delicate arch of her eyebrow—all of it captivates me. I observe her slow, steady breaths, a silent reassurance that she’s still here, still alive.

The temptation lingers, threatening to pull me under its spell, tempting me to join her. Naked beneath the barely covering duvet, on her petite frame. Every inche of her was a beacon to every dark desire calling me to embrace her, to share in her peaceful sleep. But I can’t. I just can’t.

After my breakdown in the kitchen, we clung to each other, seeking comfort in the warmth of our embrace until exhaustion claimed her. Gently, I carried her back to the room, where I guided her under the soothing stream of the shower. The water cascaded over her, washing away the remnants of our intense moment together, leaving her refreshed.

I know leaving her all sweaty after our session was not a good idea. I knew she’d have an even more comfortable sleep freshened up. As much as I like the idea of her covered in my cum, a peaceful sleep was needed.

The clock reads 2 am, but sleep was lost to me. Images haunt my mind, tormenting me with visions of my girl, her fragile form marred by blood and flesh torn apart. The mere thought sends a rim of rage coursing through me, threatening to unleash a primal fury I may never recover from.

The chaos in my thoughts, a sinister whisper creeping in—a temptation to end it all, to rid my baby girl of the burden of my existence. But as quickly as it arises, a wave of guilt washes over me. The selfishness of such an act becomes painfully clear. I’m not sure she would be able to handle the gravity of it. So, any thought of it was completely erased. I realize now how selfish it would be to entertain the idea of my own death, imagining that she would join me. I understand that even in death, I would haunt her soul, dragging her down with me until the end.

I may be a bastard, a beast consumed by love. It’s no excuse for the pain I’ve caused her, everything I’ve put her through. But it’s also my unwavering reason—I will NEVER let her go.

I peeled my eyes away from her small frame, moving to the edge of the bed. My feet found the floor, and I ran my hand through my hair, further entangling it into a mess. I’m too shut in to give a damn about how I look. I know I look like hell, with the bags under my eyes and the empty gaze that only seems to change when I look at my baby girl.

I reach for my drawer and yank it open, searching for the phone I know Singe gave her. My mind is a whirlwind of emotions, making it unlikely that a mind-link would succeed in this headspace. As I grab the device, something catches my eye in the corner. With narrowed eyes, I pick up the small container with pills inside.

I took one look at Emma, then back at the container. Is she sick? My mind raced at the possibility. I knew all my actions should have caused her to feel unwell, but there was no logical reason for the pills. With the vampire gene coursing through her, she wouldn’t fall to a common cold. As I read the inscription, the first line decreased my worry, but a new concern crept in.

This is birth control. When did she start taking it? My mind raced to piece together the puzzle. I can only deduce not long ago, probably when we got back from Costa Rica because I saw nothing like this.

She doesn’t want to get pregnant?

My mind reeled with the implications. The unexplainable feeling stormed through me like a wave, but I wasn’t angry. After all, we had never discussed anything about cubs. I had only recently regained my memories, and the Dace I was for years, who had fallen in love with the Countess, was too obsessed with her to even consider the idea of cubs.

But now, with my memories returned, even though the personalities within me clash like a storm, I understand that our relationship is not fresh or recent. Years were taken from us, and we never had the chance to properly develop our relationship or discuss the possibility of cubs. As conflicting as it may be, I know she did the right thing.

She did the right thing. A voice in my head echoed, and perhaps it was correct. Having a baby with me, someone who isn’t mentally stable is not something I want to burden her with right now. I mean, just imagine how our cubs would be. I’ve never felt cut out to be a father.

Emma, on the other hand... I believe she would be amazing. Sure, she might be nervous at first, but I know she would go out of her way for something she loves, no matter how challenging. That’s just who she is.

A smile found its way to my lips as I dropped the container back where I found it. Whatever feeling had been looming over me dissipated.

The device in my hand suddenly rings, and Singe’s name pops up. Without wasting a moment, I pick up.

"Emma, are you there?"

Emilia?

"It’s Dace."

There’s a sharp intake of breath on the other line before she speaks. "Dace, you’re okay."

"Currently in human form, so I guess that’s a good thing," I responded.

"You sound like shit, what did you do? Hit your throat?" she asks.

I know I sound hoarse, but I didn’t realize it was that bad.

"Emma’s okay," I quickly assured her, knowing that’s why she called.

"Dace, there’s something you should know. Emma’s mom and Vanessa stopped by,"

My body tenses. I knew everything was back to square one, but I had been so caught up in my headspace that I had forgotten about her family. Suddenly, it was all déjà vu again. Vanessa screamed at me when Emma was in a coma. The Clan judgment to keep me away from her. Fucking Owen who did nothing but come between us. Her mother... not giving me a chance. The memories of those moment shrouded every depths of my mind.

"Dace?" Emilia’s voice breaks through the line. "They want to see her."